Event Overview: Civil War (4)

Civil War #4
Writer: Mark Millar
Peniciller: Steve McNiven

Okay, okay, I get it. The stuff about "an even portrayal of both sides" was nothing but empty talk from Marvel. Finally it's crystal clear: The pro-regs are nothing but EVIL! I mean wtf: Cloning Thor? Seek the help from supervillians? Tony and Reed act like fucking Dr. Doom! Apart from that: pretty enjoyable issue...
RATING: C+

Wolverine #46: Vendetta Part 5
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

Perfect, just perfect. Wolverine tackles his next target: Damage Control. This company seems to be behind some of the events of "Civil War". Marc Guggenheim continues to deliver the best of all tie-ins. The scenes of Wolverine doing detective work and delivering carnage are pure win!
RATING: A

Amazing Spider-Man #535: The War At Home Part 4
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Peniciller: Ron Garney

Who are these people looking like Tony Stark and Reed Richards? These are not the heroes I used to know, but fascist idiots! And yes, I get it, Tony's super-prison is like Guantanamo. Is it possible to play out a metaphor more obviously? On the positive side: Peter Parker gets back to his normal self.
RATING: D

Civil War: Front Line #6
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Lee Weeks, Jorge Lucas

The depiction of the wannabe-Guantanamo is so inconsistent with "AMS #535"! Instead of a high-tech-facility in Jenkins portrays it as some kind of fascist third-world-coop. Lazy... Surprisingly I didn't hate Speedball this time, but the reporters' party was way too decompressed. And the poem was an effrontry!
RATING: D

Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #3
Writer: Zeb Wells
Peniciller: Stefano Caselli

After two crappy tie-ins, this one is a relief! Most of the issue is dedicated to one big action scene in which both teams get their asses handed by Marvel Boy - some of the protagonists get caught. In the natural progression of team-ups, they decide to bond and work together. Looking forward to the conclusion!
RATING: B

Captain America #22: The Drums Of War Part 1
Writer:Ed Brubaker
Peniciller: Mike Perkins

Brubaker - as usual - absoluty delivers! Finally somebody was able to tell a balanced story from the persperctive of the pro-regs, as Agent 13 gets all the spotlight in this issue. We get great scenes with Maria Hill, Dum Dum Dugan and Captain America. Great tie-in!
RATING: A

Fantastic Four #540: Some Word Can Never Be Taken Back
Writer:J. Michael Straczynski 
Peniciller: Mike McKone

What a piece of shit! Not only do the events in this issue contradict what happens in the main events, above all the dialogues are beyond cheesy. I'm really pissed at JMS that I had to sit through Reed's awful speech a second time after AMS #535. By far the worst tie-in!
RATING: E

Civil War: Front Line #7
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Lee Weeks, Eduardo Baretto

This was a pleasent surprise. Finally the pieces come together. The reporters' stories get some cool twists, just as Speedball's and Wonderman's ones - though the poem sucked as usual. I especially liked how we got some insight into Speedy and understand that he is really heartbroken about the things that happened.
RATING: B 

Ms. Marvel #8: Battle Lines Part 3
Writer:Brian Reed
Peniciller: Roberto de la Torre

A fitting conclusion to a mediocre "Civil War" story. The big problem I had: There was nobody to root for. Carol, the main protagonist, was whiny and unlikeable. Her opponent Arachne wasn't better. I hated her, when she put her daughter into harm's way. Wonderman and Spider-Girl saved some points for this issue.
RATING: C-

Wolverine #47: Vendetta Part 6
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

At this point I ran out of positive things to say about this tie-in. Guggenheim doesn't dissapoint with the conclusion to this "Wolverine" run. The bad guy gets his punishment and we even get an ass-kicking guest appearance of The Sentry! I understand that there is one more issue: a kind of epilogue. Looking forward to it!
RATING: A

New Avengers #24: Disassembled Part 4
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penicillers: Pasqual Ferry & Paul Smith

After his appearance in the last "Wolverine" issue I was intruiged, what Sentry's stand in the "Civil War" was. I think Bendis does a good job of explaining his views in this little visit to Attilan. The art is gorgeous to look at and the end does a great job of foreshadowing some major developments.
RATING: B-

Civil War: Choosing Sides

Writers: Marc Guggenheim, Robert Kirkman, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Mike Oeming, Ty Templeton, Jim McCann
Penicillers: Leinil Yu, Phil Hester, David Aja, Scott Kolins, Roger Langridge, Alex Chung

This anthology is a mixed bag. I liked the "Venom", "Immortal Iron Fist" and "Ant-Man" parts but didn't care much for the rest.
RATING: C

Captain America #23: The Drums Of War Part 2
Writer:Ed Brubaker
Peniciller: Mike Perkins

The focus shifts from Agent 13 to Bucky and Nick Fury, which results in some exciting stealth action and a very cool scene with Red Skull and Dr. Doom. Brubaker masterfully uses the backdrop of "Civil War" to continue his own saga. The fact that Captain America merely appears doesn't hurt the issue. 
RATING: A

Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #4
Writer: Zeb Wells
Peniciller: Stefano Caselli

The mini wraps up with - you guessed it - tons of action. Most of the many heroes get a moment to shine and kick some ass. The warden gets what he deserves - though it is a little ridiculous, how somebody this evil could get in this position. But well, this IS a comic book.
RATING: B

Event Overview: Civil War (3)

Civil War #3

Writer: Mark Millar
Peniciller: Steve McNiven

For the first time the pro-regs seemed like the more reasonable bunch. It's Captain America's fault that things escalate to the first big battle of the "Civil War" - and an epic one it is. McNiven's art together with Holloway's brilliant colouring evoke cinetamtic images. And of course there is Thor, yay!
RATING: A

X-Factor #9: Trust Issues
Writer: Peter David
Peniciller: Dennis Calero

Again not so much of a "Civil War" tie-in, but a continuation of "Decimation" - although we learn with which faction of the conflict Jamie sides. There are some brilliant moments with Layla and Quicksilver and I loved the bantering between X-Factor and the Astonishing X-Men.
RATING: B+

New Avengers #22: Disassembled Part 2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Peniciller: Leinil Francis Yu

In this backstory issue we learn why Luke Cage allies with Captain America. Besides a cool fight between the "Secret Avengers" and a SHIELD unit the best moments of this story are the ones which deal with the relationship of Luke and his wife. Can't have too much of Jessica Jones! And compared to Chaykin, Yu's art is a big step up.
RATING: B

Wolverine #44: Vendetta Part 3
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

Basically we get one issue of Wolverine pounding the crap out of Nitro. To further complicate matters we learn the identy of another group which is after the bastard - a relevation I didn't see coming, but a cool connection to one of the "Front Line" stories. I'm hooked for the next issue.
RATING: B

Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #1
Writer: Zeb Wells
Peniciller: Stefano Caselli

I was very looking forward to this tie-in, as I'm a fan of both teams. So I was very pleased that Zeb Wells got a grip on both of them. The characterizations are top-notch - especially the Runaways dealing with Gert's death just feels right. The only thing, which bothers me, is the sexualized depiction of these young adults by Caselli.
RATING: B

Civil War: Front Line #4
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Lee Weeks, Sean Chen

Finally, the reporters' stories pick up steam. We have seen quite a bit SHIELD raids in "Civil War", but so far they don't fail to impress. The best part of the whole issue was the cliffhanger ending with Ben and an unexpected villan, who seems very pissed! Speedball's part was ridiculous though.
RATING: C

Amazing Spider-Man #534: The War At Home Part 3
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Peniciller: Ron Garney

The anti-regs' raid of a prisoner transport ist well staged, the highlight being the awesome fight sequence between Spidey and Captain America. There are some minor glitches like none of the anti-regs has any visible injuries despite them having their asses handed in "Civil War #3". Oh, and Tony switched back to asshole-mode.
RATING: B-

Fantastic Four #539: Decisions Made
Writer:J. Michael Straczynski 
Peniciller: Mike McKone

JMS rehashes the events of "ASM #534" from another point-of-view. Now we find out how the reasons behind the chaos during the raid, which is a much more satisfying read. Also Ben has to choose a side and makes an unexpected decision. One of the best tie-in issues. 
RATING: B+

Ms. Marvel #6: Battle Lines Part 1
Writer:Brian Reed
Peniciller: Roberto de la Torre

There is nothing really wrong with this issue. I liked the portrayal of Carol, Wonder Man the other players, the art is competent enough, but nothing really clicks with me. The plot is very generic "Civil War" stuff we have seen a dozen times at this point. A hero struggles with his decisions and has to face off against some others...
RATING: C-

Civil War: Front Line #5
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Lee Weeks, Roy Allan Martinez

The reporters' stories continue to get more interesting as the other plots fail to impress. I especially hate Speedball more and more with each issue, even though Jenkins wants the reader to root with him. What really drags the issue down is the "Sleeper Cell" story with its depiction of SHIELD agents as evil motherfuckers.
RATING: C

Wolverine #45: Vendetta Part 4
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

Unexpectedly this is my favorite of all the tie-ins. I became very fond of Guggenheim's style with the over-the-top action and the clever twists. Again I really didn't see them coming. And after just four issues I converted to being a fan of Ramos' art. The icing on the cake is the cool conspiracy plot. 
RATING: A

New Avengers #23: Disassembled Part 3
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Peniciller: Oliver Coipel

Another suprise hit! This issue is pure fun! Bendis culminates Jessica Drew's emotional appealing story, which he has spun in the pages of "Spider-Woman: Origin" and "New Avengers". Oliver Coipel once again amazes with his vibrant pencils in this adrenaline-filled spy story.
RATING: A

Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #2
Writer: Zeb Wells
Peniciller: Stefano Caselli

I really like how Zeb Wells fathoms all possible conflicts between the two teams. A new player, No-Vahrr, is introducing. He seems to be an existing character, but I don't no anything about him. The only thing which bothers me is that all these young girls obviously underwent breast surgery when they were 14...
RATING: B-

Ms. Marvel #7: Battle Lines Part 2
Writer:Brian Reed
Peniciller: Roberto de la Torre

The scenes with Araña were cool but they were the only interesting pages of this issue. The chase of Arachne (as they said in the comic itself, there are to many spider-related characters...) is pretty dull.
RATING: D

Review: The Walking Dead Compendium #1

Collects: The Walking Dead #1-#48
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Pencillers: Tony Moore & Charlie Adlard

STORY
Okay, in case you have lived under a rock, I'll give you a small recap: Small-town cop Rick Grimes gets shot in action. After he spends some time in a coma, he awakes alone at hospital. It doesn't take him long to realize: A zombie apocalypse has hit the US and possibly the whole world. Everybody who dies turns into an undead with a taste for the living.

Rick fights his way to Atlanta where he meets a group of refugees and some old acquaintances. Together they try to survive in this new hostile world. A world, in which zombies aren't their deadliest foe, but man is...

REVIEW
Robert Kirkman, you evil, evil man! How depraved can a writer be, to throw this much shit at his readers!? The story he crafts with "The Walking Dead" is the definition of "emotional rollercoaster"! I don't know if there are protagonists in pop culture, who must suffer more than Rick Grimes. Time and time again he hits rock bottom. To say nothing of all the other characters! Kirkman made one promise: "Nobody is safe". The man stands to his word... As I said: Kirkman is pure evil - and this is what makes "The Walking Dead" such a load of fun!

This series not only captivates its reader with death and violence, but manages to attach you emotionally to the characters. As my wife can confirm, I often shouted at the book angrily, whenever a beloved character died. On other occasions I cheered when Kirkman offered a glimpse of hope. Only few other books managed that. Generally: The scope of the story is epic, like a tale of Homer.

But the best comic book writing wouldn't be much without art. At first I wasn't sure if I would like the black and white only style, but Tony Moore's spectacular pencils managed to win me over. His detailed art perfectly conveys the bleakness of the characters' situation. Sadly he only draws the first arc and passes the pen to Charlie Adlard then, who drawed every other issue till today. A huge step down im my opinion. Though Adlard has his qualities and after the initial shock I became accustomed to his sketchier style. But I will always have a bittersweet feeling, when I page back to Moore's arc...

Last but not least: Thank you, Image Comics, for this massive paperback! 1088 pages of story for 35 Euro, if you're (like me) new to "The Walking Dead", this is the book you want to buy. The only bummer is that all the covers are missing from this collection, but it's the story that counts.

RATING: A-

Event Overview: Civil War (2)

A general note about the second batch of "Civil War" comics: I started to get pissed off by Marvel's biased portrait of anti- and pro-reg movement. Despite the promise to let the readers decide themselves which side corresponds with their views, we are clearly pushed to root for Captain America. He and his gang are portrayed as heroes whereas the pro-regs are either misguided or just plain evil (like Tony "Dick Cheney" Stark). Nonetheless: "Civil War" and most of the tie-ins continue to be a fun read. 

Civil War #2

Writer: Mark Millar
Peniciller: Steve McNiven

And so the war begins. Nice issue which doesn't reach the level of the first one. Storywise Millar is heavly relying on the reader to read other series like "Front Line" to get the full picture. The action however is flawless and I'm always happy when the Young Avengers get a guest spot. McNiven continues to impress.
RATING: B

Civil War: Front Line #2
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Leandro Fernandez, Kano

Like in the first issue, the two main protagonist are just bystanders as the events of "Civil War" unfold them. I really would like them to take a more active role. Also four stories (or story fragments as almost all of them get continued in other issues or series) is a bit to much.
RATING: C

Amazing Spider-Man #533: The War At Home Part 2
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Peniciller: Ron Garney

The aftermath of Peter's reveal of his identity is masterfully handled by JMS. His life is upside down and he is torn between his emotions and the loyality to Tony Stark (who comes off as a manipulative son-of-a-bitch). JMS even manages to insert a pretty funny scene with Sue and Reed Richards.
RATING: B+ 

New Avengers #21: Disassembled Part 1
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Peniciller: Howard Chaykin

Argh, my eyes, my eyes! Chaykin's art is hideous! Captain America looks like a dumb brute - just look at the cover! Unfortunatly Bendis' story is a similar letdown. I learned nothing new about Cap's resistance movement. And why does Falcon speak like a wannabe pimp?
RATING: D

Fantastic Four #538: Street Fighting
Writer:J. Michael Straczynski 
Peniciller: Mike McKone

A cool Ben-centric story (so why isn't he on the cover?). His clash with the anti-regs is simultaneously funny and thought-provoking. McKone's art is a perfect match for JMS' story that lacks a bit on the action side. On the other hand: Thor's foreshadowed return is the highlight of this issue.
RATING: B-

Wolverine #43: Vendetta Part 2
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

Guggenheim continues this more than solid revenge story. Humberto Ramos' art really grew on me (maybe my standards were lowered by Chaykin...). There is just one matter, which drags the whole issue down: Wolverine fully heals up in just a few minutes after being reduced to just his skeleton by Nitro - Really?
RATING: C+

X-Factor #8: Collision Course
Writer: Peter David
Peniciller: Dennis Calero

More a continuation of "Decimation" than a "Civil War" tie in but still very good - as almost anything written by David. Calero's style perfectly matches the part noir, part quirky tone of the book. The interaction with Spider-Man is cool and I'm curious how Quicksilver's return will play out.
RATING: B

Civil War: Front Line #3
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Peniciller: Ramon Bachs, Steve Lieber, Lee Weeks, David Aja

Things get better: The first death of "Civil War" has a bit of an emotional impact (despite the dying person being just a minor hero), Speedball's still a douche and the new storyline "Sleeper Cell" seems intriguing. Still, it would have been better to focus on one story per issue... And the poem is again pointless.
RATING: C+

Review: Daredevil - Guardian Devil

Collects: Daredevil V2 #1-#8
Writer: Kevin Smith
Penciller: Joe Quesada

STORY
Matt Murdock's life could be better - his girlfriend Karen left him (again). And as if this wasn't enough, a teenage girl, who somehow knows of his secret identity of Daredevil, wants him to protect her baby. To make matters even better: She claims to have conceived the little boy without having sex! Could he be humanity's newborn savior? Matt tries to find out more about the child and is contacted by a mysterious figure named Nicholas Macabes, who proposes an even more disturbing theory: He claims the baby is the antichrist.

Matt comes into conflict with his deep-rooted catholic faith. But there are more bad news ahead for the blind hero: Foggy is involved in a murder case - as the suspect. And Karen comes back, infected with AIDS. As it seems caused by none other than the baby - wtf?

REVIEW
This was my first exposure to Daredevil and I was more than sceptical. I wasn't impressed by the Affleck-movie, hated all of Kevin Smith's films and never was a friend of Frank Miller's work (there are some exceptions of course), who had a great role in defining this character. Despite this reservations I was completely blown away by "Guardian Devil"!

The plot is a competent mystery story with a twist that doesn't disappoint. Matt's religous issues, his lovelife, his social circle and his vendettas are all masterfully woven in. We get some great action pieces, emotional quiet moments and quirky dialogues. Quesada's pencils capture all these scenes greatly with an especially engaging trip to Dr. Strange's mystic world.

In short: This is everything I want from a comic.

RATING: A

Event Overview: Civil War (1)

I recently finished reading through the first batch of my picks of Marvel's 2006 blockbuster event "Civil War". Here I'll give you my quick thoughts about each issue. When I'm finished, I will go back and give you more detailed reviews about my highlight TPBs.

Note: I tried to read them in the correct order which was a big pain in the ass with all the going back and forth betweeen books.

Civil War #1
Writer: Mark Millar
Peniciller: Steve McNiven

Wow, what a great opening! Speedball is such a douche! The course and aftermath of the Stamford desaster are very believable. Millar's writing is perfect and the action scene with Captain America just bad ass! Major props to Steve McNiven and his gorgeous artwork.
RATING: A

She-Hulk #8: Civil Union
Writer: Dan Slott
Peniciller: Paul Smith

Slott nicely ties Shulkie's story into "Civil War" but not without losing most of light-hearted fun which makes this series special. Paul Smith's cartoony art also just doesn't work with this semi-serious tone. Nice touch: Slott restores some of the lost honor of the New Warriors.
RATING: C

Wolverine #42: Vendetta Part 1 
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Peniciller: Humberto Ramos

Although this was one of Marc Guggenheim's first gigs as an comic writer, his TV experience comes fully to play. We see Wolverine's perspective of "Civil War #1" without major continuity errors and a cool action piece in a plane. Nice. Humberto Ramos's proportions are a bit off but I adored his detailed backgrounds.
RATING: B+

Amazing Spider-Man #532: The War At Home Part 1 
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Peniciller: Ron Garney

A very political issue. Neverthelessit is a pleasure to read 22 pages of talking heads if the script is written by JMS. Peter's inner struggle wether to reveal his secret identity to the public is very believable and the dialogue between him and his family heart breakin. Good art by Ron Garney completes a good issue.
RATING: B

Civil War: Front Line #1
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Penicillers: Ramon F. Bachs, Steve Lieber, Kei Kobayashi

There is not much of a story to speak of in this issue, but I like the characters of Sally Floyd and Ben Urich. I hope they will get something to do in the next issue. The backstory which reveals Speedball's whereabouts is very interesting, though. The poem at the end was little pointless. Nice penicls by all three artist.
RATING: C

Review: Alias Ultimate Collection #1 TPB

Collects: Alias #1-#15
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencillers: Michael Gaydos, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mark Bagley, David Mack

STORY
Jessica Jones used to be a super heroine but for some reason she turned her back on this life. Now she tries to earn her living as a private investigator under the banner of "Alias Investigations". But fate isn't through with her. In a new case she gets tangled into a conspiracy of national dimensions – involving none other than Captain America and US-president George Bush! She also has to deal with two cases of missing persons. First she has to find Hulk's old pal Rick Jones. Then she has to face anti-mutant prejudices during her search for a missing girl (and possible mutant) in a small rural town.

REVIEW
Some people obviously can't stand the guy but I just LOVE Brian Michael Bendis - okay, that came out wrong... What I meant to say is that I like his gritty, realistic approach to the super hero genre, especially in his earlier work. I would argue that "Alias" is his masterpiece.

The one thing that really makes this comic stand out is the character work. Jessica is a very engaging character. She is (for reasons we're not told yet) a very frustrated woman who tries to ease her pain with swearing, booze and men. She easily could come across as unlikeable, but in his excessive dialogues Bendis manages to convey that her hard exterior hides a heart of gold. You really become invested in her life, not least because her cases are fresh and engaging. Bendis cleverly uses A-, B- and C-list-characters of the Marvel universe. I especially liked the small character moments, for example Ms. Marvel as Jessics's BFF, Jessica's complicated relationship with Luke Cage or her date with Ant-Man. The entire characters act like real people in these situations.

The whole feeling of the series is very mature. No wonder: "Alias" was one of the first comics of Marvel's "MAX" imprint which focuses on R-rated titles. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to stand much unnecessary violence and pointless nudity. In fact there are quite a few sex scenes (one even heavily implies some backdoor action) but each one of them is a vital part of Jessica's character development. And it's the same case with the swearing: As I said, Jessica has quite the potty mouth – the very first word of the comic is "fuck". This, too, never seems forced. Jessica just doesn't mince matters.

Enough about the writing, let's talk about the art: I have to admit, I was at first a little turned off by Gaydos' pencils. Over the time it really grew on me – so much that nowadays Gaydos is one of my favorites and the definitive Jessica-Jones-artist. The keyword here is like in all the other aspects of "Alias" realism. Gaydos' people just look real – not as in "photo-realistic" but as in "authentic". When other artists draw Jessica, they tend to illustrate her as the typical comic babe with big tits and a perfect face. In "Alias" she is attractive despite some problem areas. I like her better this way.

One last word about this trade paperback: I really love these "Ultimate Collections" of Marvel (maybe not as much as I do Brian Michael Bendis ;-) ). You get 15 issues for a very reasonable price (for example just under 17 Euro at bookdepository.com). This is what I call "value for money"!

RATING: A